The Sydney Art Store is a leading destination for art supplies in Australia, offering premium materials for both aspiring and professional artists. Founded by Alesandro Ljubicic 17 years ago, the store has grown into a multi-faceted business with a flagship location, franchised outlets, and a thriving eCommerce platform. The store specializes in high-quality watercolor pads, acrylic paints, aluminum stretchers, and more—making it a trusted name in the art community.

With an eye for innovation and a knack for business strategy, Alesandro has continually pushed the boundaries of what his business can achieve. However, scaling the operations came with its own set of challenges, prompting the adoption of cutting-edge solutions like Rep AI.

Embracing Innovation Amidst Growing Challenges

Running a multi-faceted business is no small feat. Alesandro was juggling everything from manufacturing and retail to franchising. But as the business grew, so did its challenges. High abandoned cart rates, a lean customer support team, and the need to maintain engagement with a growing online audience posed significant hurdles.

“I used to think about how we could solve every issue manually,” Alesandro shared. “Then I realized that tools like Rep AI could handle so much of the heavy lifting, allowing us to focus on what we do best.”

By integrating Rep AI, Alesandro sought to optimize customer interactions, reduce operational strain, and recover lost revenue—all while scaling his operations.

The Power of Rep AI: A Game-Changer for eCommerce

Alesandro discovered Rep AI through the Shopify App Store and was intrigued by its ability to act as an "AI Sales and Support Concierge." His decision to invest in the platform was driven by its versatility.

“For me, it was like getting a cheap staff member,” he said. “Rep AI works 24/7 and consistently delivers. It’s amazing to see it in action.”

Rep AI’s ability to proactively engage customers and handle complex queries proved invaluable. For instance, Alesandro noted that customers often asked detailed technical questions about products. “We had one shopper who spent over 30 minutes asking step-by-step questions about techniques,” he recounted. “Rep AI guided them through every detail. I know for a fact my staff would have struggled with those answers.”

Results That Speak Volumes

Since implementing Rep AI, the business has seen transformative results. In November alone, the AI concierge generated over $69,000 in sales and abandoned cart rescue.

“The figures and analytics don’t lie,” Alesandro emphasized. “Rep AI is solving 99.8% of our customers’ problems. It’s like having an employee who doesn’t sleep, doesn’t complain, and is always on point.”

Beyond the financial metrics, the tool has reshaped the operational flow of the business. With fewer customer inquiries, the lone customer support manager can now focus on higher-value tasks. “We’ve seen fewer phone calls and emails, which means my staff can focus on packing, merchandising, and logistics,” Alesandro noted.

Rep AI’s influence extends to customer retention as well. With more than 50% of customers returning for additional purchases, the platform has played a critical role in nurturing loyalty among shoppers. “Our customers keep coming back because their experience is seamless and engaging,” he explained.

Strategic Insights for Holiday Sales

Alesandro’s experience has also provided valuable lessons for other merchants, especially during peak shopping seasons like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. He shared an unconventional approach to holiday sales that has proven highly effective: “Instead of pushing hard-to-sell products, we doubled down on our bestsellers. Why reinvent the wheel when you can sell more of what people already love?”

This strategy resulted in record-breaking sales. For example, one of their top-selling products, usually sold at 200 units a month, saw 632 units sold during the holiday period. “We promoted the products we knew would perform, and it paid off,” Alesandro said. He also leveraged Rep AI’s recommendation engine to upsell complementary products, further boosting revenue.

Why Rep AI is a No-Brainer

For Alesandro, adopting Rep AI was about more than just cost—it was about value. “Yes, it’s an investment, but the ROI speaks for itself. The platform pays for itself within the first two days of the month,” he explained. By integrating Rep AI with other tools like Klaviyo and leveraging its seamless user interface, Alesandro has built a tech stack that drives results while remaining easy to manage.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on his journey, Alesandro offers sage advice for other merchants: “Don’t focus on how much a tool costs. Focus on what it saves you and how it helps you grow. Rep AI has not only increased our revenue but also freed up resources, allowing us to scale without stress.”

Try Rep AI on The Sydney Art Store >